Music
Runda Redefines Faith and Hustle with Powerful New Single “Child of God”
From the vibrant streets of Agege, Lagos, emerges Runda, one of Nigeria’s most compelling independent voices, with his latest single, “Child of God.” This bold new track, produced by the acclaimed Krizbeatz and featuring captivating guitar accents by Fiokee, seamlessly blends Afropop rhythms, Yoruba wisdom, and the relentless energy of Lagos, marking a powerful new chapter in Runda’s evolving musical journey.
Born Oluwapelumi Olorunda, Runda’s path from a shy high school poet to a celebrated artist is a testament to his grit and grace. Raised in a community where opportunities were limited, he discovered solace and purpose in music, beginning his artistic expression as a rapper at the age of 16. Years of dedicated craft refinement, deeply rooted in storytelling and melodic innovation, culminated in his well-received 2023 EP “Beautiful Lies” and a string of impactful singles.
Now, with “Child of God,” Runda delves into his dual identity, celebrating his spiritual inheritance alongside his ambitious pursuit of success. Lines like the poignant plea for divine favor, “Seeking your child support,” are juxtaposed playfully with confident boasts of ambition, “Like a tsunami, Lionel Messi,” framing faith not as a passive acceptance but as the very engine driving his triumphs.
The heartbeat of the track is its powerful and unifying chant, “Child of God!”—a proud declaration of his Afro-Christian heritage. Runda masterfully bridges cultural tradition and modern aspiration through references to “Aston Martin” and “Aje” (wealth in Yoruba), creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and forward-looking.
At its core, “Child of God” reinterprets faith as a dynamic force for tangible change. Runda channels a Christ-like resilience (“Carry my cross”) while resolutely refusing to separate spirituality from the pursuit of prosperity. “All the blessings put am for my body,” he sings, transforming prayers into powerful manifestos for both material and social victory.
This is an anthem for the Nigerian dreamer – the believer who engages in spiritual practices yet hustles tirelessly to provide for their family, who sees the sacredness of Sunday service and the joy of Sunday Funday as interconnected blessings. With “Child of God,” Runda doesn’t just humbly request heaven’s favor; he boldly claims it, weaponizing his faith to actively rewrite his destiny.

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